Ampicillin+sulbactam
About Ampicillin+sulbactam
Ampicillin+sulbactam belongs to the group of medications called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms of bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected by bacteria.
Ampicillin+sulbactam contains Ampicillin and Sulbactam. Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It has bactericidal action (kills bacteria). It works by preventing the formation of the cell wall (the outer protective layer of bacteria, which is essential for its survival) by preventing protein synthesis. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It broadens the spectrum of antibacterial activity by inhibiting the action of beta-lactamase, an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics. Ampicillin+sulbactam is recommended for only bacterial infections and doesn’t treat viral infections.
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side effects of Ampicillin+sulbactam are nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain and diarrhoea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Ampicillin+sulbactam if you are allergic to penicillin, any other antibiotics, or the contents of Ampicillin+sulbactam. Ampicillin+sulbactam should not be given to people with infectious mononucleosis (viral infection with a sore throat and fever) and colitis (inflammation of the intestine). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Do not discontinue or abruptly stop the medication, as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Ampicillin+sulbactam should be used with caution in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people. It is not known whether Ampicillin+sulbactam can interact with alcohol or may affect your ability to drive. So, please discuss with your doctor the possible risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
Uses of Ampicillin+sulbactam
Medicinal Benefits
Ampicillin+sulbactam contains Ampicillin and Sulbactam. Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that treats the infection by killing the bacteria. Sulbactam is a beta-lactamase (an enzyme produced by bacteria that can destroy antibiotics) inhibitor and prevents the destruction of ampicillin from the bacteria. Ampicillin+sulbactam has broad-spectrum activity and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as skin infections, gynaecological infections and intra-abdominal infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ampicillin+sulbactam
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you may experience generalized symptoms like fever, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. coli. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Ampicillin+sulbactam is used to treat bacterial infections. It contains Ampicillin and Sulbactam. Ampicillin reduces the infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. It disrupts the formation of the cell wall (outer layer), which is essential for bacteria's survival. Sulbactam inhibits the action of beta-lactamase, an enzyme produced by bacteria to destroy antibiotics (ampicillin).
People allergic to penicillin should not take Ampicillin+sulbactam as they may develop cross-sensitivity (sensitivity to drugs with similar structures). Ampicillin+sulbactam contains ampicillin, which has a similar structure to that of penicillin.
You are recommended to avoid taking Ampicillin+sulbactam if you have infectious mononucleosis (viral infection with a sore throat and fever) and colitis (inflammation of the intestine), as Ampicillin+sulbactam worsens these conditions.
Ampicillin+sulbactam may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Therefore, discuss with your doctor about other non-hormonal contraceptives such as condoms, diaphragms, etc.
